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Martin, Kiva CEO Visits CEVI-Dulag

Kiva’s CEO Martin Tschopp came to see and talk to the borrowers affected by typhoon Haiyan in Dulag, Leyte.

Kiva’s CEO Martin Tschopp came to see and talk to the borrowers affected by typhoon Haiyan in Dulag, Leyte. Martin was accompanied by other Kiva staff Kathy Guis, the Regional Director for Europe and Asia, and Chad Sterbenz, the Risk and Operations Director.

Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Central Visayas region of the Philippines last November 8, 2013. Over 6,000 fatalities have been recorded and nearly 2,000 missing. It affected 14.1 million people and left 4 million displaced.

In response to the need of the communities affected by typhoon Haiyan, Community Economic Ventures, Inc. (CEVI) provided Recovery Loans to its borrowers. This helps them rebuild their livelihoods and bounce back from adversity. In partnership with Kiva, the borrower’s recovery loans were funded by Kiva lenders from all over the world.

Martin together with his staff were able to meet three borrowers. They are Rizalina, a fish and meat vendor, Edgardo, a hollow block maker, and Merlita, who makes a living through fishing. The borrowers were asked about how their livelihoods are doing, and distinguished their lives before and after typhoon Haiyan.

Martin and his staff have witnessed the tangible things that were bought by the borrowers to rebuild their livelihoods. They were happy to see that survivors in the area were resilient, being able to bring their life back.

After the client visit, a discussion with the CEVI Operations staff composed of Operations Manager, Area Manager, Branch Manager and Head Office staff was held at CEVI Dulag branch office. Chad Sterbenz shared the challenges involved with Kiva operations both for the Kiva Lender as well as on the partner MFI.

Moving forward, CEVI and Kiva as partners commit to continue to make improvements and to address issues that will benefit the Kiva lenders, the MFIs and the borrowers we serve.